Interview: Linda Cooper

by Corey Coogan
October 18, 2007

In 2005, Linda Cooper bought her first cyclocross bike and finished 3rd in the Minnesota Cycling Federation Cyclocross Rider of the Year series. Last year, Cooper won her first MCF CRY title. This year, she is neck-in-neck with Linda Sone for the title. Cooper also has the distinction of traveling the furthest of any B-women who races the MCF CX circuit. Coming from her home in Fargo, North Dakota, Cooper manages to make it to the races every weekend.

1. Midwesterners know your name from your dominance in cyclocross, but do you compete or train in other cycling disciplines?
   I have done some regional mountain bike and road racing in the past, but not in the last few years. I’m not a big fan of riding indoors so my fitness doesn’t come around until late in the season.
2. When did you begin cycling? Racing? Cyclocross?
   I started cycling after college, with some small races shortly after that. I started cyclocross about five years ago. I was just doing the local race on a mountain bike to keep some fitness into the winter. Two years ago I bought a cross bike and was hooked.
3. Tell us about your athletic history? Did you do other sports prior to competitive cycling? Do you still do other sports?
   I played basketball and was in track in college. I played basketball up until last winter. It’s pretty hard on the body, so I retired. That might sound weird from someone in ‘cross. The last few years I have been cross-country skiing when the snow cooperates. I try to get to Maplelag every Sunday.
4. You travel a long way to race the MCF CX events. What challenges come with traveling so far every weekend? What techniques do you use to minimize travel fatigue and stress?
   Fatigue is a factor. I got up at 4:00 a.m. for the Orono race. Mostly it is just being stiff from sitting in a car so long. Extra time to warm up usually takes care of it. It’s only stressful when you’re sitting on the freeway, not moving, an hour before the start of a race.
5. Do you work with a coach or are you self-coached? From where (whom) did you learn your cyclocross skills? Do you train alone or with a group?
   I am self-coached. About five years ago the NDSU cycling club started doing cyclocross. I was riding with some of the guys so I gave it a try. I have just learned by watching and practicing. I ride with a group one or two days a week. Fargo is pretty flat so we drive 35 miles once a week in the summer just so we can ride hills. It's the Rollag ride and it's pretty competitive.

6. 

   What do you do for work? Do you have a family? Namely, what aspects of day-to-day life do you balance with training and how do you manage this?
   I am an engineer with Integrity Windows. I'm single so I have been able set my own schedule. I still never seem to have enough time. I have a lot or respect for the people with families who manage to train and race.
7. As a leader among women CX riders in the Midwest, do you have any ideas for how to increase women's participation in CX?
   Don’t show them pictures of the Orono race. Seriously, I think the practice sessions help a lot. It’s easier if the women are part of a club or group that they can train and practice with. Let them know they can start on a mountain bike—they don’t need to buy anything. Get the word out: cyclocross is a blast!
8. What are some of your short and long term goals in cycling?
   It would be nice to have another CRY cube. I would like to do well at Jingle Cross and plan to go to Nationals again this year.